Police solve fratricide in just five hours

By Sumesh Rajan | June 8, 2025

Nagpur, INDIA: In a striking display of swift investigative work, police in the rural town of Narkhed in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, cracked a murder case in just five hours, arresting the victim’s elder brother for allegedly killing him during a domestic dispute.

The incident took place in the village of Savargaon, in the Narkhed taluka of Nagpur district. Narendra Chafle, 29, was found dead in his family home on the morning of May 10, with severe head injuries. Authorities believe the attack occurred sometime between the evening of May 9 and mid-morning the next day.

The case came to light when the victim’s 82-year-old father, Bhaurao Chafle, filed a verbal complaint at the Narkhed police station. Officers immediately registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and initiated a probe.

Preliminary forensic evidence and interviews quickly led investigators to the victim’s elder brother, Rajendra Chafle, 31, who lived in the same house. He was taken into custody without incident.

“During questioning, Rajendra confessed to striking his brother on the head with an iron shovel — a farming tool — while he was asleep,” said Inspector Ajit Kadam, the lead investigator in the case.

Police cited ongoing domestic tensions as the primary motive, further complicated by the victim’s chronic alcohol use, unemployment, and history of quarrels with family members. “Narendra often created friction at home. His behaviour was aggressive and confrontational, and this time, it crossed a tragic line,” Inspector Kadam added.

The murder weapon was recovered at the scene, and police are continuing their investigation, including verification of witness statements and the results of forensic tests.

Rajendra Chafle was presented before a local magistrate and remanded to police custody until May 13.

Local authorities have praised the rapid coordination among investigative teams. “This case was solved efficiently, with accuracy and urgency. The dedication of the officers involved ensured swift justice,” the police statement read